core

#### Using Probe-Specific Port Clearance Distances

(This item pertains to the Probe Changer dialog box, accessible through Edit | Preferences | Probe Changer.)

While you can use the Probe Changer Port Data dialog box to define a Before drop-off clearance distance for each port in a probe changer, this approach may not provide enough flexibility due to the specific needs of some probe and styli configurations. Sometimes, switching to a new measurement routine may require you to load a different probe configuration into a given port. Your new probe configuration may need a different clearance distance to avoid collisions when entering the port to drop it off or leaving the port after picking it up.

PC-DMIS provides you with the ability to define a clearance distance tied to the probe. This overrides any specified distance in the Probe Changer Port Data dialog box.

To Define a Probe-Specific Port Clearance Distance

1. Press F9 on the desired LOADPROBE command in your measurement routine to open the Probe Utilities dialog box.

2. Click the Setup button to open the Probe Setup dialog box.

3. Define a clearance distance in the Clearance distance for tool changer port when this probe is loaded box. The value uses the same measurement units as the measurement routine that is currently open.

4. Click OK to close the Probe Setup dialog box.

5. Click OK to close the Probe Utilities dialog box.

Any clearance distance that you specify in the Probe Setup dialog box overrides the Before drop-off value in the Probe Changer Port Data dialog box regardless of what port takes the probe. If you do not specify a clearance distance in the Probe Setup dialog box, then PC-DMIS uses the value from the Probe Changer Port Data dialog box.

With this approach, your probe changer setup can have values that may be adequate for most probes in general. This provides you with the ability to define probe-specific values for other desired probes.

Additional Notes

- The intent of this functionality is to avoid complications arising from particular styli configurations. Therefore, if you have a complex probe change operation where the stylus holder/configuration is kept in one port or probe changer and then extensions or other probe bodies are involved from another port or probe changer, this value only applies to the initial dropoff (when unloading) or final pickup (when loading) for the probe when the styli are attached. During intermediate portions of the overall probe change, where no styli are attached, PC-DMIS assumes that you do not need the extra clearance. During such intermediate portions, PC-DMIS uses the clearance value from the general probe changer setup instead.

- This clearance setting is used on the probe changer types that PC-DMIS handles directly (with the exception of the ACR2) in a machine interface-independent manner. For probe changer types where the changer is specific to a particular type of machine, and the change is handled within the associated machine interface, that machine interface may or may not make use of this value.